Grants for Single Mothers
The Complete Guide to Grants for Single Mothers in 2025: Real Help, Real Money, Real Results
Last updated: August 2025
If You Need Help Today
Emergency Money: If you have less than $100 cash and need help immediately, these resources can help within 7 days:
- Emergency SNAP: Call your state SNAP office or apply online for expedited food assistance if you have under $150 monthly income
- 211 Helpline: Dial 2-1-1 for immediate local emergency assistance and resources
- Salvation Army Emergency Services: Visit salvationarmyusa.org for utility assistance, food, and emergency housing help
- United Way Emergency Assistance: Search “United Way” + your city name for local crisis intervention programs
Main Points
The Reality About Grants vs. Government Benefits: Most “grants for single mothers” you find online are actually ongoing government assistance programs, not true one-time grants. This guide clearly separates real grants from benefit programs.
What You’ll Find Here: True grants that don’t need to be repaid, emergency hardship assistance available now, government assistance programs that provide ongoing support, special resources for LGBTQ+, tribal, rural, and single father families, and red flags to avoid grant scams.
Bottom Line: There IS real money available, but you need to know where to look and what programs actually do. This guide gives you that roadmap.
Real Grants vs. Government Benefits: Know the Difference
Before diving into resources, you need to understand what you’re actually looking for. Most websites mix these up, which creates confusion and false expectations.
True Grants (One-Time Awards)
What they are: Single payments for specific purposes that you never have to repay
Examples: Education grants, emergency hardship grants, business startup grants
Amounts: Usually $500-$10,000
Sources: Private foundations, nonprofits, corporations
Government Benefits (Ongoing Support)
What they are: Monthly assistance programs with eligibility requirements
Examples: SNAP (food stamps), TANF (cash assistance), WIC, Medicaid
Amounts: Monthly payments based on family size and income
Sources: Federal, state, and local government agencies
Why This Matters: If you’re looking for one-time money to pay off a debt or cover an emergency, you need grants. If you need ongoing help with food, housing, or healthcare, you need government benefits. You can often get both.
Emergency Hardship Grants You Can Apply for Today
These are real grants from legitimate organizations that provide one-time emergency assistance.
Private Foundation Emergency Grants
Modest Needs Foundation
- Amount: Up to $1,000 for emergency expenses
- Purpose: Rent, utilities, medical bills, car repairs, work-related expenses
- Requirements: Must be employed or receiving government benefits, legal rental lease holder
- Website: modestneeds.org
- Application time: 2-4 weeks
- Program Details: This nonprofit provides small grants to help bridge financial gaps for working people. The foundation focuses on helping people who are employed or receiving government benefits but face unexpected expenses that could destabilize their housing or employment situation. They understand that sometimes a small amount of money at the right time can prevent larger problems down the road. Their grants cover essential expenses that aren’t typically covered by other assistance programs. They have strict requirements including that you must be able to access a computer with internet, have a legal rental lease, and your primary income must come from employment, child support, veteran’s benefits, or retirement income.
Bill Pulte Foundation
- Amount: Varies ($100-$5,000 typically)
- Purpose: Emergency expenses due to circumstances beyond your control
- How to apply: Follow @PulteCapital on X (Twitter) for application announcements
- Notes: Preference given to natural disasters, medical emergencies, job loss
- Program Details: Founded by philanthropist Bill Pulte, this foundation provides emergency financial assistance to individuals and families facing hardships due to circumstances beyond their control. The foundation prioritizes cases involving natural disasters, medical emergencies, job loss due to company closures, and other situations where people need immediate help. They operate largely through social media outreach and community nominations, taking a personal approach to giving and often responding quickly to urgent situations. The hardship must be directly related to circumstances beyond your control and through no fault of your own.
American Red Cross Emergency Financial Assistance
- Amount: Varies by local chapter
- Purpose: Disaster relief, house fires, medical emergencies
- Contact: redcross.org or call 1-800-733-2767
- Processing: 24-48 hours for disaster-related emergencies
- Program Details: The Red Cross provides emergency financial assistance to help families affected by disasters get back on their feet. This assistance covers immediate needs like temporary lodging, food, clothing, and essential household items. They also provide emergency aid for house fires, which is the most common disaster they respond to. Their local chapters can provide immediate assistance cards for essential purchases, emergency prescription medications, and emergency transportation. Their financial assistance is designed to help in the first 72 hours after a disaster when families need immediate help.
Industry-Specific Emergency Grants
CORE Grants (Food & Beverage Workers)
- Amount: Up to $1,500
- Who qualifies: Single mothers working in restaurants, bars, hotels, or food service
- Website: coregives.org
- Program Details: The CORE organization understands that restaurant and food service workers often face irregular schedules, seasonal employment, and limited benefits. Their grants help food and beverage industry workers cover essential expenses during financial crises including rent payments, utility bills, medical expenses, childcare costs, and transportation needs for work. They recognize that food service workers are often supporting families on unpredictable income and may not qualify for traditional assistance programs. The organization also provides resources for career development and financial planning.
Justice Federal Credit Union Hardship Grants
- Amount: $250-$3,000
- Purpose: Essential bills during crisis
- Requirements: Demonstrate financial hardship beyond your control
- Contact: Check with local credit unions for similar programs
- Program Details: Many credit unions offer hardship assistance to their members facing temporary financial difficulties. These grants help cover essential bills when members experience job loss, medical emergencies, or other unexpected financial challenges. The assistance is designed to help members avoid defaulting on loans or losing essential services like utilities. Credit unions often provide financial counseling along with emergency assistance to help members develop long-term financial stability. They may also offer loan modifications or payment deferrals as part of their hardship assistance programs.
Education Grants: Your Path to Better Income
Education grants offer the best long-term financial solution for single mothers. Here’s what’s actually available:
Federal Education Grants
Federal Pell Grant
- Amount: $740-$7,395 for 2025-2026 academic year
- Who qualifies: Undergraduate students with financial need
- Key advantage for single mothers: Starting with the 2024-25 award year, Pell Grant eligibility calculations will be based predominantly on the federal poverty level and family size
- Income limits: For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, a family of three living in the 48 contiguous states making up to $43,505 would qualify for the Maximum Pell Grant
- Application: Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov
- Program Details: The Pell Grant is America’s largest need-based student aid program. In 2023 alone, the U.S Department of Education handed out over $40 billion in Pell Grants to nearly 6 million students. The new formula particularly benefits single mothers because single parents qualify for maximum Pell Grant eligibility at higher income levels than married couples (225% vs 175% of poverty guidelines). The grant covers tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses while you’re in school. Unlike loans, Pell Grants never need to be repaid. You can receive Pell Grants for about six years total, and the years don’t need to be consecutive.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Amount: $100-$4,000 per year
- Who qualifies: Students with exceptional financial need who already qualify for Pell Grant
- Application: Through your college’s financial aid office
- Program Details: The FSEOG provides additional funding for students with exceptional financial need who already qualify for Pell Grants. Unlike Pell Grants, FSEOG funding is limited and distributed by individual colleges on a first-come, first-served basis. Colleges give priority to students who receive Pell Grants and have the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI) scores. The grant money goes directly toward educational expenses and doesn’t need to be repaid. This grant is designed especially for students with the greatest financial need, making single mothers prime candidates.
TEACH Grant
- Amount: Up to $4,000 per year
- Requirements: Agree to teach for four years in high-need schools
- Subjects: Math, science, foreign languages, bilingual education, special education
- Important: Becomes a loan if you don’t fulfill teaching obligation
- Application: Complete FAFSA and TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve
- Program Details: The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides funding to students who agree to teach for four years in high-need schools serving low-income students. The grant covers programs that prepare teachers to teach in shortage areas including mathematics, science, foreign languages, bilingual education, special education, and reading specialist positions. This is particularly valuable for single mothers looking for stable careers with good benefits and job security. The teaching obligation must be completed within eight years of graduation.
State Education Grants
Each state offers different programs. Here are examples of what to look for:
| State | Program | Amount | Website | Program Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Cal Grant | Up to $12,570 | csac.ca.gov | Cal Grant A covers tuition and fees at four-year colleges, while Cal Grant B provides additional money for living expenses and books. The program has both need-based and merit-based components. |
| New York | TAP Grant | Up to $5,665 | hesc.ny.gov | New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a need-based grant that helps eligible New York students pay tuition at approved postsecondary institutions in New York State. |
| Texas | TEXAS Grant | Up to $5,387 | tgslc.org | The TEXAS Grant offers funding for first undergraduate degree seekers. You must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled at least three-quarter time. |
| Florida | Florida Student Assistance Grant | Up to $2,610 | floridastudentfinancialaid.org | This need-based grant is available to Florida residents attending eligible Florida institutions. |
Private Education Grants and Scholarships
Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
- Amount: Varies, typically $2,000-$5,000
- Who qualifies: Women age 35+ pursuing first undergraduate degree or vocational training
- Website: rankinfoundation.org
- Application deadline: March 1 annually
- Program Details: This scholarship specifically targets women age 35 and older who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree or vocational training. The program recognizes that many women delay their education due to family responsibilities and need support returning to school later in life. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and childcare expenses. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and academic potential. The program also provides mentoring and networking opportunities to help women succeed in their educational goals.
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education
- Amount: Up to $3,000
- Who qualifies: Women whose education has been interrupted
- Website: peointernational.org
- Application: Through local P.E.O. chapters
- Program Details: The P.E.O. Sisterhood offers grants to women whose education has been interrupted and who find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and their families. The grants can be used for any level of postsecondary education including graduate school, medical/law school, or vocational training. The program recognizes that life circumstances often interrupt women’s educational plans and provides flexibility in how the grants can be used. Awards are based on need, with preference given to women who are resuming education after an extended absence.
Business and Career Grants
Small Business Grants for Single Mothers
SCORE Small Business Mentorship + Grants
- Services: Free business mentoring and connections to funding
- Website: score.org
- Contact: 1-800-634-0245
- Program Details: SCORE is a nonprofit association that provides free business mentoring and education to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and succeed. They connect single mothers with experienced business mentors and provide workshops on business planning, marketing, and financing. While SCORE doesn’t directly provide grants, they help connect entrepreneurs with funding opportunities and provide the business expertise needed to successfully apply for grants and loans.
Cartier Women’s Initiative
- Amount: $100,000 grant plus mentorship
- Focus: Women-led businesses with social/environmental impact
- Website: cartierwomensinitiative.com
- Application: Annual competition, typically opens in January
- Program Details: This global competition for women entrepreneurs provides funding and support to early-stage businesses led by women. The program specifically looks for businesses that address social or environmental challenges. Winners receive not just funding but also access to a powerful network of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and potential investors. The program includes mentorship, networking events, and media exposure to help scale winning businesses.
Amber Grant Foundation
- Amount: $10,000 monthly grants, $25,000 annual grant
- Focus: Women entrepreneurs
- Website: ambergranfoundation.org
- Application fee: $15
- Program Details: The Amber Grant Foundation awards monthly $10,000 grants to women-owned businesses, and one of the monthly winners receives an additional $25,000 at the end of the year. The grants can be used for any business purpose including equipment, inventory, marketing, or operating expenses. The foundation was created to honor a young woman’s entrepreneurial spirit and help other women achieve their business dreams. Applications are simple and focus on the business idea and how the grant money will be used.
Housing Grants and Assistance
Warning: Very few true housing grants exist for individuals. Most housing help comes through ongoing assistance programs.
Actual Housing Grants
USDA Rural Development Housing Grants
- Amount: Up to $10,000 for home repairs
- Who qualifies: Rural homeowners age 62+ with very low income
- Website: rd.usda.gov
- Phone: 1-800-670-6553
- Program Details: The USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants (Section 504) program helps very-low-income homeowners repair, improve, or modernize their homes. Grants are available to elderly homeowners who cannot repay a loan. The program can help with essential repairs like fixing roofs, improving accessibility, or updating electrical systems. Rural areas are defined as communities with populations of 35,000 or less. The grants can be combined with loans for larger repair projects up to $50,000 total.
Habitat for Humanity
- Service: Help building your own home with volunteer labor
- Requirements: Income limits, sweat equity requirement, stable employment
- Website: habitat.org
- Phone: 1-800-422-4828
- Program Details: Habitat for Humanity partners with families to build and renovate affordable homes. Families contribute “sweat equity” hours working alongside volunteers and learn about homeownership through financial literacy and home maintenance classes. The homes are sold at no profit with affordable mortgages. This isn’t a grant program, but it provides a pathway to homeownership for families who might not otherwise qualify for traditional mortgages. Families typically need to contribute 200-400 hours of sweat equity.
Housing Assistance Programs (Not Grants)
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
- Benefit: Pay only 30% of income for rent
- Reality check: Waiting lists are 1-3 years in most areas
- Application: Through local housing authorities
- Website: hud.gov
- Program Details: The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) helps low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, and participants can choose their own housing including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The family pays 30% of their income for rent and utilities, and the program pays the rest directly to the landlord. Waiting lists are extremely long in most areas, so apply as soon as possible.
HUD Public Housing
- Benefit: Reduced rent in government-owned properties
- Application: hud.gov
- Program Details: Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to high-rise apartments for elderly families. Rent is typically 30% of the family’s income. Many public housing authorities also offer services like job training, childcare, and educational programs to help residents become self-sufficient.
Government Assistance Programs (Not Grants, But Essential)
While these aren’t grants, they provide crucial ongoing support that can free up money for other needs.
Food Assistance
| Program | Benefit | Income Limit (Family of 3) | Application | Program Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Up to $975 for family of four (varies by state) | $2,798 monthly gross income | State SNAP office | SNAP helps 41.7 million Americans monthly. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card that works like a debit card at grocery stores. Single mothers often qualify for expedited processing. Maximum benefits vary by household size and state – check your state’s SNAP office for exact amounts. |
| WIC | $35-50/month food vouchers | 185% of poverty level | Local WIC clinic | Provides nutrition education, health care referrals, and supplementary foods to low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5. Also provides breastfeeding support. Call 1-800-522-5006 for local WIC office. |
| School Meals | Free breakfast/lunch | Varies by district | Child’s school | National School Lunch Program provides free or reduced-price meals. Can save families $2-4 per child per day during school year. Apply at your child’s school office. |
Healthcare
Medicaid
- Coverage: Free healthcare for low-income families
- Application: healthcare.gov or your state Medicaid office
- Income limits: Varies by state – typically 138% of poverty level for adults
- Program Details: Medicaid offers free or low-cost healthcare for low-income individuals, including maternity care, family planning, mental health services, prescription drugs, and preventive care. For single mothers, Medicaid often provides the only affordable way to access comprehensive healthcare for themselves and their children. Coverage varies by state but includes doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and dental care for children. Apply online at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596.
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
- Coverage: Healthcare for children in families earning too much for Medicaid
- Income limits: Up to 400% of poverty level in some states
- Application: insurekidsnow.gov or 1-877-543-7669
- Program Details: CHIP provides affordable healthcare coverage for children whose families do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. The program covers routine check-ups, immunizations, doctor visits, prescriptions, dental and vision care, and emergency services. In many states, CHIP also covers pregnant women. Premiums are low or free, and co-payments are minimal.
Cash Assistance
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Benefit: Monthly cash payments
- Time limits: 60 months lifetime limit in most states
- Requirements: Work or education requirements
- Amounts: Vary significantly by state
- Application: State TANF office
- Program Details: TANF is the essential part of the safety net for very low-income families. Its primary aim is to help these families achieve self-sufficiency through a combination of short-term financial assistance and work opportunities. It provides monthly cash payments for food, clothing, shelter and other essentials. Many states also provide job training, childcare assistance, and transportation help through TANF. Benefits range from $170/month for a family of three in Mississippi to $789/month in New York.
Critical Update for Single Mothers: According to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, new 2025 SNAP work requirements create different rules for single parents vs. married couples: Single parents with children ages 7-17 must work 80 hours per month. Married couples only need one spouse to work 80 hours per month. This means single moms face stricter requirements than married mothers. Check with your local SNAP office for specific state implementations.
Red Flags: Avoiding Grant Scams
Never Pay Fees: Legitimate grants never require upfront fees, processing fees, or “guarantee” fees. If someone asks for money to get you grant money, it’s a scam.
Warning Signs:
- Guarantees of grant approval
- Requests for bank account information upfront
- Pressure to “act now” or “limited time offers”
- Unsolicited calls or emails about grants
- Claims about “secret” government grants
Legitimate Sources Only:
- Government agency websites (.gov domains)
- Established nonprofit organizations
- Accredited educational institutions
- Well-known foundations with verifiable track records
If It Sounds Too Good to Be True: It probably is. Real grants have legitimate application processes, eligibility requirements, and may take weeks or months to process.
Special Resources for Diverse Families
LGBTQ+ Single Mothers
Family Equality Council
- Services: LGBTQ+ family-building grants and resources
- Website: familyequality.org
- Contact: info@familyequality.org
- Program Details: The Family Equality Council advances legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families. They provide resources for family-building including grants for fertility treatments, adoption assistance, and surrogacy support. They also offer family-building grants through various partner organizations and maintain a comprehensive resource database for LGBTQ+ parents and prospective parents.
Point Foundation
- Focus: LGBTQ+ students pursuing higher education
- Website: pointfoundation.org
- Contact: info@pointfoundation.org
- Program Details: Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ+ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential. They provide scholarships, mentorship, and community support to LGBTQ+ students who are often rejected by their families and lack financial support for higher education. Their holistic approach includes not just financial aid but also personal and professional development.
Tribal-Specific Resources
Bureau of Indian Affairs Financial Assistance
- Services: Assistance to American Indians and Alaskan Natives with utilities, shelter, clothing, and food
- Contact: Local BIA regional office or call 202-513-7622
- Website: bia.gov
- Program Details: The Bureau of Indian Affairs has a Financial Assistance and Social Services program that can offer assistance to American Indians and Alaskan Natives. This program focuses on helping individuals achieve independence, which is why individuals that receive assistance will have to create and sign an Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan. Services include emergency assistance, burial assistance, and general assistance payments.
Tribal TANF Programs
- Services: Assistance with childcare and employment for Native Americans who are unemployed and part of a federally recognized tribe
- Contact: Visit the Tribal section at acf.hhs.gov
- Program Details: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have a Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program that includes assistance with childcare and employment assistance. This program is only available to Native American Indians that are unemployed or retrenched and that are part of a federally recognized tribe or village.
Indian Housing Block Grant
- Services: Funding for affordable housing on tribal lands
- Contact: hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/ih
- Program Details: ONAP (Office of Native American Programs) provides assistance for Indian tribes under the Indian Housing Block Grant. This means that tribes have the opportunity of conceptualizing, designing, building, and maintaining their own low-cost housing on Indian reservations and within Native communities.
Rural Single Mothers
USDA Rural Development Programs
- Services: Rural housing assistance, business grants, utility assistance
- Website: rd.usda.gov
- Phone: 1-800-670-6553
- Program Details: USDA Rural Development provides funding for housing, community facilities, utilities, and business development in rural areas. Programs include home loans with no down payment, grants for home repairs, and business development assistance. Rural areas are defined as communities with populations of 35,000 or less. Use USDA’s eligibility map at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov to check if your area qualifies.
Rural Electric Cooperatives
- Services: Operation Round-Up programs for emergency assistance
- Contact: Your local rural electric cooperative
- Program Details: Many rural electric cooperatives operate “Operation Round-Up” programs where members’ bills are rounded up to the next dollar, and the extra money is used to help community members facing financial emergencies. These programs often provide grants for medical expenses, utility bills, and other essential needs.
Single Fathers
The Single Parent Project
- Services: Resources, donations & community support for single parents
- Website: singleparentproject.org
- Contact: info@singleparentproject.org
- Program Details: The Single Parent Project is a national nonprofit organization created to provide resources, donations, and community support tailored to the needs of single parents. They provide assistance with transportation, scholarships, and extracurricular activities for children. They understand that vehicle access is often crucial for single parents juggling work schedules, daycare, appointments, and grocery shopping.
All Programs Available: All federal and state programs described in this guide are available to single fathers. Key programs that particularly help single dads include TANF (provides monthly cash assistance and work support services), Pell Grants (available for fathers pursuing education – as independent students, single fathers often qualify for maximum grant amounts), SNAP and WIC (available based on income and family size), and housing assistance (all housing programs are available to single fathers who meet income and family requirements).
Support Resources: Contact the National At-Home Dad Network at athomedad.org for peer support and resources specifically for fathers.
Resources by Region
High-Cost States (California, New York, Hawaii)
- Higher income limits for most programs
- Additional state-funded assistance programs
- More private foundation opportunities
Southern States
- Lower TANF benefits but often higher SNAP benefits
- Strong faith-based assistance networks
- Rural development opportunities
Midwest States
- Strong community action agency networks
- Agricultural assistance programs
- Manufacturing job training grants
Western States
- Tribal-specific resources in many areas
- Energy assistance programs
- Mining and energy industry grants
Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)
Q: How much money can I realistically expect from grants? A: Be realistic. Emergency grants typically range from $500-$2,000. Education grants can be $2,000-$7,000 annually. Don’t believe anyone promising $10,000+ in “free government grants.”
Q: Do I have to pay back grants? A: True grants never need to be repaid. However, some education grants (like TEACH grants) can convert to loans if you don’t meet specific requirements. Always read the terms carefully.
Q: Can I apply for multiple grants at the same time? A: Yes, and you should. Apply for every program you qualify for. There’s no limit on how many grants you can receive from different sources.
Q: How long does the application process take? A: Government benefits: 7-30 days. Education grants: 4-8 weeks after FAFSA completion. Private emergency grants: 2-6 weeks. Plan accordingly.
Q: What if I’m denied? A: Ask why and if you can appeal. Often denials are due to missing documents or minor errors. Fix the issue and reapply. Don’t give up after one rejection.
Q: I work full-time but still struggle. Can I still get help? A: Yes. Many programs have income limits that include working families. For example, a family of three can earn up to $2,798 monthly gross income and still qualify for SNAP.
Q: Are there grants specifically for older single mothers going back to school? A: Yes. Many education grants prioritize non-traditional students. The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund specifically helps women 35+ pursue education.
Q: I’m undocumented. Are there any resources available? A: While federal programs require legal status, some state programs, private foundations, and faith-based organizations may help regardless of immigration status. Check local resources.
Q: How do I know if an organization is legitimate? A: Check if they’re registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, look for annual reports on their website, verify they don’t charge fees, and search for reviews from other recipients.
Q: Can I get help with childcare costs? A: Yes. Every state has Child Care Assistance Programs. You may also qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and Head Start programs.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
This Week:
- Apply for any emergency benefits you need (SNAP, Medicaid, local emergency assistance)
- Gather all required documents
- Research grants specific to your situation (education, career, location)
Next 30 Days:
- Complete FAFSA if considering education
- Apply for 3-5 emergency hardship grants
- Contact local Community Action Agency
- Research state-specific programs
Ongoing:
- Set a weekly time to search for new grant opportunities
- Follow up on pending applications
- Keep applying – persistence pays off
- Build a support network of other single mothers
Reality Check: Getting grants takes time, persistence, and often multiple applications. Most single mothers receive help from a combination of government benefits and smaller grants rather than one large windfall. The key is to keep applying and use every resource available.
Remember: You’re not asking for handouts – you’re accessing resources designed to help families like yours succeed. These programs exist because society benefits when single mothers have the support they need to thrive.
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.
This comprehensive guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including the U.S. Department of Education, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, HUD, state agency websites, and verified nonprofit organizations to ensure accuracy.
Information compiled from official U.S. Department of Education, USDA, HHS, and nonprofit organization sources. Last verified: August 2025.
The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.
Disclaimer
Program details, income limits, and availability can change frequently. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Individual circumstances vary, and eligibility for programs depends on many factors beyond what can be covered in a general guide.
When in doubt, contact the relevant agency directly or apply even if you’re unsure about eligibility – the worst they can say is no, and you might be surprised by what assistance is available. Always verify current program requirements and application procedures with official sources before applying.
The links and resources mentioned in this guide are provided for informational purposes. We do not guarantee the availability, accuracy, or effectiveness of external websites or programs. Users should exercise their own judgment when applying for assistance programs.
